- PROUD Melton veterans have finally got their medals for taking part in a
jungle war
- 40 years ago – but some say the fight for
- recognition is still unfinished.
About 14 local old soldiers travelled to Nottingham Oddfellows Club in
Humberstone
- Gate, Leicester, on Friday to pick up the commemorative Pingat Jasa.
All were involved in the battles against communist guerillas from 1948 to
the early 1960s
- which eventually resulted in the creation of Malaya, now Malaysia.
The medal faced administrative delays and even now a campaign is being waged
to overturn a technical loophole saying the veterans cannot wear the medal.
About 170 widows and surviving veterans were presented with the award by
Colonel Tajri Alwi as recognition from the Malaysian Government for their
efforts.
Among them was Ken Snow (62), of West Avenue, Melton, who said: "The place
was packed with people and there were some who I hadn't seen for a long,
long time.
"I shook hands with the colonel and he said 'thank you very much' – it was a
nice way of showing his country's appreciation. People at home maybe don't
realise what we went through out there."
Pal Mick Booker (63), of Kings Road in Melton, also picked up his medal. He
said: "It was a great night and it was good to see old mates. It's a shame
because apparently the Government is saying we can't wear it but we say
different and I'll be wearing mine."
Ian Hone, chairman of the National Malay and Borneo Veterans association,
said the Honours Committee, which manages the issuing of medals, officially
said Malay veterans should only wear the service medal they had already been
given by the British Government.
He said: "There is a campaign to force a reversal of this rule and an early
day motion is being put forward to be considered in Parliament on this. They
wouldn't physically stop anyone from wearing it but I also believe the
regulations are for those still in uniform and don't apply to veterans."